Faces of Frankston

Even with works underway and cranes in the sky, our city thrives with fantastic shopping, dining and visitor experiences. This is thanks to the tens of thousands of people who live work and study here.

We are delighted to bring you The Faces of Frankston: photographs and stories of many of the people you may pass on the street every day.

Scroll down to meet a collection of friendly faces, or visit the Business as Usual page to get to know many of our city’s local traders and to download a 'Rediscover Frankston' booklet.

For a bit of fun we have put together a gallery of images taken at Frankston's Christmas Festival of Lights 2017, which you can view here.

Anyone who took great selfies at this years' festival is encouraged to share it on social media with #frankstonfaces. The most fun pics shared will win a free family pass to this years' Sand Sculpting Festival, thanks to Sandstorm Events. We'll announce the winner on Tuesday 5 December.

John, former Frankston High School Teacher

A former science teacher at Frankston High School (1968 – 1992).

“I have run into many ex-students, and even crossed paths with one in Cooper Pedy. One bloke always greets me with ‘Hello Mr Higgs’. We then have a chat and I mention that he really should call me John. He always replies with ‘No, it will always be Mr Higgs.’” John features in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition, now showing at The Frankston Arts Centre.

Maree, Headspace's VCAL program

Meet Maree. She works for Headspace and runs a VCAL program out of Chisholm which offers a second chance for young parents to complete high school and is proud to see her students go on to contribute to our city.

Kylie, Wholefoods Melbourne

“We sell specialty organic and wholefoods. People who want specific food will seek us out. There is a real demand for the food we offer in Frankston.”

Wholefoods Melbourne on Wells Street is part of the VicRoads’ ‘It’s Business As Usual’ campaign.

Gail, former journalist, Councillor and Arts Centre Board Member

Gail has travelled the world and lived in Germany for seven years, where she wrote for Woman’s Day Magazine. She returned in 1976 to live in Frankston City and considers her involvement in building the Frankston Arts Centre, being a member of its Board of Management and Chairperson for the Friends of the Frankston Arts Centre, among her greatest life achievements. Gail features in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition, now showing at The Frankston Arts Centre.

Joan, Frankston retiree

After living on a little farm on the Mornington Peninsula and working in the medical area for a few years, we decided Frankston would be the ideal place to retire. It’s been our home since 1998 and we have witnessed a great many improvements and changes during that time.

Joan features in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition, now showing at The Frankston Arts Centre.

Beshoi Guirguis, Nova Pharmacy

A pharmacist on Wells Street in Frankston, Beshoi looks forward to the extra visitors who will be visiting the City after the completion of the redevelopment works.

His business, Nova Pharmacy at 3 Wells Street Frankston, features in VicRoads’ ‘It’s Business As Usual’ campaign.

Irene Grishin-Selzer, Iggy and Lou Lou Jewellery

Irene grew up in Seaford and studied ceramics and jewellery at Monash University Frankston. Irene is an artist and Creative Director of Iggy and Lou Lou, which she started with partner Peter Selzer in 2003. Iggy and Lou Lou has a dedicated following has been featured in many international magazines and blogs. Their pieces have been worn by Emily Blunt and Nicole Richie.

Irene features in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition, now showing at The Frankston Arts Centre.

Bev Wilkinson, Celebrate Living History

I am a journalism graduate who discovered the stories of seniors and turned them into an exhibition. This sparked the seed for ‘Celebrate Living History’, an organisation focused on bridging the gap between seniors and young people.

Bev features in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition, now showing at The Frankston Arts Centre.

Kylie and Parry Tsamourtzis, Peter Oram Shoes (pic)

We are always happy to welcome customers into our store.

Their business, Peter Oram Shoes at 30 Wells Street Frankston, features in VicRoads’ ‘It’s Business As Usual’ campaign.

Tina Strafford, owner of ARTATAK

Tina is a passionate artist who runs her own business, ARTATAK. When she needs to get grounded she hugs trees, visits McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery to meet friends, The Frankston Arts Centre for a memorable experience and the foreshore for summer yoga. “I do love Frankston and recommend falling in love with what YOU do best.”

Tina features in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition, now showing at The Frankston Arts Centre.

John McKenzie, Downs Estate

John’s two boys grew up here and had the rich experience of living in a great community by the bay, creek and wetlands. He is passionate about community education, housing, homelessness and environmental issues and has been heavily involved with long term plans for Downs Estate on Old Wells Road.

John features in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition, now showing at The Frankston Arts Centre.

Yonja and Jordan, Jac n Jean Frankston

Jac n Jean first opened its doors and started trading in June 1970 by Peter McKenzie. It was the first jean store in Melbourne. Today, Yonja and her mother run the business at 34B Wells Street Frankston, which has grown into a destination for young fashion conscious consumers by introducing national and international clothing labels. Jordan, pictured, also works at the business.

Jac n Jean features in VicRoads’ ‘It’s Business As Usual’ campaign.

Damien, Social Justice worker

Born and raised in Frankston. Damien was inspired during his school years to get involved in many social justice programs. He has worked in social policy issues from homelessness, to domestic violence and pokies.

Damien features in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition, now showing at The Frankston Arts Centre.

Kristine, MicMacs Oriental Grocer

Kristine’s family of seven migrated from the Philippines to Parramatta when she was a teenager. They were a very close family and all shared the household chores. When they had a chance they all enjoyed karaoke. Kristine went through high school and university in NSW but eventually moved down to Melbourne. She fell in love with the Frankston area and moved to Seaford two years ago. She also opened a specialty grocery store in Frankston, called MicMacs Oriental Grocer.

“I think Frankston is a great spot: there are great specialty shops and a gorgeous beach just down the road.” MicMacs features in VicRoads’ ‘It’s Business As Usual’ campaign.

Andrea and Valanga, One World Choir and Drumming

Born in South Africa, Valenga was exiled at 16 and spent many years as a refugee, travelling from country to country. Finally in 2000, he became an Australian Citizen and gained some stability. Valenga and Andrea met through music in 1996. Now with three children, they have made their home in Frankston, and continue to connect with the community through music. The duo have taken many Australians to Africa with them on cultural tours. They also direct One World Choir and Drumming.

Andrea grew up on the Peninsula and was heavily involved in the arts. She went on to study voice at the Victorian College of the Arts. She specialised in jazz and has gone on to work around Australia and the Pacific in a number of musical line-ups, and has recorded several albums. She also works with Valenga and is involved with many mass choirs and musical projects, including the Massive Hip Hop Choir.

Andrea and Valanga feature in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition, now showing at The Frankston Arts Centre.

Brian McMannis, Frankston SES

Among his many awards, Brian was named Frankston’s Citizen of the Year in 2008 and was awarded the Emergency Services Medal by the Governor General for distinguished service by a member of Australian emergency service. Brian also has a street named in honour of him, McMannis Way in Seaford.

Brian moved to Frankston in 1975 and joined the Frankston SES in 1978. He has raised his two boys in Frankston and worked as a Funeral Director for John Allison Monkhouse, for two decades.

Brian feature in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition, now showing at The Frankston Arts Centre.

The late Dulcie Richards

Dulcie Richards, one of Frankston’s most prominent citizens for more than 50 years, passed away at aged 91 in 2015. She was best known as co-owner with her husband, of the Alan of the Bounty Shop, one of the region’s leading clothing retailers. Dulcie regularly dressed Graham Kennedy for GTV 9’s In Melbourne Tonight. The Bounty Shop boomed, employing 50 people at its peak. Dulcie retired at age 60 and contributed to 25 charities every year.

With the consent of her family, Dulcie features in Richard Simpkin’s Locals of Frankston exhibition, now showing at The Frankston Arts Centre.

Dianne and Michael, both former Frankston City Councillors

Michael, whose face you’ll recognize from the train: stood for and spent 8 years as a councillor, 1987 - 1994, with the City of Frankston, serving as Mayor in 1991/92. One of the highlights in this role was being invited to participate at the opening of the Major Provincial Cultural Centre in Susono Japan and to be first Mayor to take the Robes and Chains of Office out of the Country.

Dianne, his wife, was also a Councillor and the first female elected as Mayor in Frankston City. She was photographed with Michael by Richard Simpkin, for his Locals of Frankston Exhibition, now on at the Frankston Arts Centre. Take a wander to find out more abut the two of them, and may other community members.

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In 2014, internationally renowned celebrity photographer Richard Simpkin visited Frankston and had such a wonderful time, he decided to come back and create a photographic exhibition of the city's residents, 'Locals of Frankston'.